Which place is cheaper, Monterey or Ponce?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Ponce or Monterey?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ponce and Monterey can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Ponce or Monterey?
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
Monterey
When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.
Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.
Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Ponce Prices
Puerto Rico PricesMonterey Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $230Monterey $211
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, while the average daily cost in Monterey is $211. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ponce and Monterey in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Monterey $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Monterey $180
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Monterey
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Monterey? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Monterey Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Monterey $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Monterey?
Prices for flights to both Monterey and Ponce change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPonce $61Monterey $98
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Latin Night with Dinner and Local Music with Transportation: $59
- Puerto Rico Art and Wine Dinner with One Way Transportation: $89
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour : $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56Monterey $27
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
- 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
- 8 Hours Private Tours in Puerto Rico: $150
- Adventure in Cave and the Guayaney Spring: $99
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- Aguadilla 6 Hour Local Tour: $150
- Camuy Caves Experience Tour with transportation: $130
- Cave Hopping Tour: $198
- Caves Coastlines and Beach; Cueva del Indio, Arecibo Adventure : $125
Tours and Activities in Monterey
For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo: $23
- Mist, Mayhem & Murder: Monterey Ghost Tours: $24
- Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour: $62
- Cannery Row Kayak Tour: $65
- Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $65
- Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide: $70
- Whale Watching Cruise: $72
- Sunset Whale Watching Cruise with A Guide: $75
- 17-Mile Drive Pebble Beach E-Bike Tour: $75
- Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour: $75
- "Family Friendly" Scenic E-Bike Tour along 17 Mile Dr: $79
- 17-Mile Drive Guided E-Bike Tour: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Monterey $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Monterey:
- Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $206
When comparing the travel costs between Ponce and Monterey, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Ponce is in Caribbean Islands and Monterey is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ponce Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or Monterey?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Monterey, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Ponce or Monterey?
Monterey has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ponce experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Ponce or Monterey in the Summer?
Both Monterey and Ponce during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Ponce is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ponce in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Monterey averages at about 63°F (17°C).
Ponce usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Monterey 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Monterey in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Monterey. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In October, Ponce is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (82°F), and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ponce usually receives more rain than Monterey. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Monterey 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Monterey in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Monterey. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Ponce is much warmer than Monterey in the winter. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
Ponce usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Monterey. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Monterey 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Monterey in the Spring?
Both Monterey and Ponce are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches.
In the spring, Ponce is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ponce in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Monterey averages at about 56°F (13°C).
In April, Ponce usually receives more rain than Monterey. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Monterey 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Monterey and Ponce
| Ponce | Monterey | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.